LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities are conducting a statewide search for Cesar M. Hernandez, a convicted murderer who escaped custody Monday morning while being transported to a court appearance at the Kern County Superior Courthouse in Delano.
Hernandez, 34, was being transported by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) when he jumped out of a prison transport van at approximately 10:45 a.m. and fled on foot. The escape occurred shortly after the vehicle arrived at the courthouse.
As of late Monday afternoon, Hernandez remains at large, and law enforcement agencies across the region have been mobilized in the search effort.
The CDCR has dispatched special investigators from nearby facilities to aid in the search. Local law enforcement, including the Delano and McFarland police departments, along with the California Highway Patrol, are also involved.
Hernandez is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 160 pounds, with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing an orange prison outfit.
Authorities have urged the public not to approach Hernandez but to call 911 if he is spotted. Information can also be reported directly to incident commander Lt. Anthony Sotello at 661-721-6300 ext. 5506.
Hernandez has been incarcerated since June 2019 following his conviction for first-degree murder in Los Angeles County. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison with the possibility of parole. The details of his crime have not been disclosed, but his conviction categorizes him as a dangerous individual.
Local residents have expressed concerns about the escape, given Hernandez’s violent criminal history. CDCR officials have emphasized their commitment to recapturing him and ensuring public safety.
“CDCR has a strong record of apprehending offenders who escape custody,” the department said in a statement. “Over the past 47 years, 99% of all offenders who have escaped state prison custody have been successfully returned to custody.”
The incident raises questions about the security protocols in place for transporting high-risk inmates. CDCR officials have not disclosed how Hernandez managed to escape from the van, nor whether additional security measures will be implemented in the wake of the incident.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any potential sightings of Hernandez. Residents in the Delano area have been advised to secure their homes and vehicles and to contact law enforcement if they notice anything suspicious.
While escapes from California state prisons are rare, they highlight the challenges of managing a prison population that includes individuals with a high risk of flight. The CDCR is expected to provide updates on the search and any changes to its transport procedures in the coming days.
Anyone with information about Hernandez’s whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
Further updates will follow as the situation develops.
